If the Shoe Fits … It Must Have Backs

A new proclamation was handed down from the Kingdom of School. ALL SHOES MUST HAVE BACKS. That is the new policy for everyday wear at school.

PROBLEM. I have only one pair of comfortable shoes that have backs.

SOLUTION. Time to shop.

When I was in college, I wore no less than two inch heels and walked all over campus in them. Easy peasy. I had one pair of shoes my college roommate referred to as witch shoes – shoes that looked like the ones worn by the Wicked Witch of the West. They were so comfortable I flew to my classes — no broom needed. During that era of my life, heels were my shoes of choice. No flats for me.

Fast forward to the present. I still wear heels, but they are much closer to the ground than in my younger years. On my shopping spree, I wandered around the shoe store, looking for some comfortable shoes with backs. I found lots of killer shoes – shoes that you could die in if you accidently tripped …

Stiletto

Wedge

Bondage

Platform

Casual

Witch Shoes!

Of all the shoes I tried on, no shoes were appropriate for my school feet. What was missing? COMFORT! Men must design women’s shoes. They are gorgeous and fun, but OUCH! The last time I wore swanky, higher-than-normal heels was at my daughter’s wedding. There’s an old saying that goes, “My dogs are barking.” Well, that day my dogs weren’t barking; they were howling! Thank goodness I brought along fancy-dancy silver flip-flops to ease my aching feet. I noticed other women were barefoot or changed into more comfortable shoes as the wedding celebration continued – my daughter included. What I didn’t see were men doing the same thing. Why not? Look at men’s shoes. Black, brown, cordovan. Lace-up or loafers. Good sturdy flat-on-the-ground shoes. No reason for their feet to be screaming for mercy!

Oh, what we women do to for that smashing, sophisticated look!

I’m still on the prowl for good-looking comfortable shoes — with backs. Maybe I’ll just duct tape a back onto my backless shoes. Now that’s classy!

Try these books on for size!.

Shoe-la-la!written by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by LeUyen Pham — a picture book (Scholastic Press, 2011)